RecruitingNot Applicable

Natural History of Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension

United States400 participantsStarted 2015-07-27

Plain-language summary

Background: \- Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension (NCPH) is caused by liver diseases that increase pressure in the blood vessels of the liver. It seems to start slowly and not have many warning signs. Many people may not even know that they have a liver disease. There are no specific treatments for NCPH. Objectives: \- To learn more about how NCPH develops over time. Eligibility: \- People age 12 and older who have NCPH or are at risk for getting it. In the past year, they cannot have had other types of liver disease that typically result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, or active substance abuse. Design: * Participants will have 2 screening visits. * Visit 1: to see if they have or may develop NCPH. * Medical history * Physical exam * Urine and stool studies * Abdominal ultrasound * Fibroscan. Sound waves measure liver stiffness. \<TAB\>- Visit 2: * Blood tests * Abdominal MRI * Echocardiogram * Questionnaire * Liver blood vessel pressure (hepatic venous portal gradient (HVPG)) measurement. This is done with a small tube inserted in a neck vein. * They may have a liver biopsy. * All participants will visit the clinic every 6 months for a history, physical exam, and blood tests. They will also repeat some of the screening tests yearly. * Participants with NCPH will also have: * Upper endoscopy test. A tube inserted in the mouth goes through the esophagus and stomach. * At least every 2 years: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. * At least every 4 years: testing including HVPG measurements and liver biopsy. * Participants without NCPH will also have: * Liver biopsy and HVPG measurements to see if they have NCPH. * Every 2 years: abdominal MRI and stool studies. * The study will last indefinitely.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 100 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Male or female, aged \>= 18 years of age, and minors 12-17 years of age. * Women of childbearing potential must agree to use birth control unless they are menopausal or had hysterectomy. * Known diagnosis of NCPH, or to be at the risk for NCPH by virtue of underlying disease processes such as but not limited to; CGD, SCD, Mastocytosis, CVID, CF, and CHF. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Pregnancy. * Evidence of other forms of liver disease that typically result in cirrhosis. * Evidence of active Chronic Hepatitis B infection as defined by the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum and elevated HBV DNA (\>10,000 IU/mL). * Hepatitis C as defined by the presence of hepatitis C RNA in serum. * Evidence of other liver disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Wilson s disease, autoimmune hepatitis as defined by either liver histology or laboratory abnormalities. * Hemochromatosis as defined by presence of 3+ or 4+ stainable iron on liver biopsy or homozygosity for C282Y. Patients with iron saturation indices of \>45% and serum ferritin levels of \>300 ng/ml for men and \>250 ng/ml for women will undergo genetic testing for hemochromatosis. * Bile duct obstruction as suggested by imaging studies done wit…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

To study the natural history of non cirrhotic portal hypertension. It is an ongoing study.

Timeframe: Ongoing

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02417740

SponsorNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2029-09-04

Contact for this trial

Jaha F Norman-Wheeler

(301) 435-6122 jaha.norman-wheeler@nih.gov

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